Hibiscus plant named &#39;DUP-DLR&#39;

ABSTRACT

A new and distinct cultivar of  Hibiscus  plant named ‘DUP-DLR’, characterized by glossy, dark green leaves, semi-upright habit appropriate for container production and culture, freely flowering habit, and very large flowers having a deep red eye zone, a brilliant hot pink body, with faintly iridescent, light pink ribs radiating from the eye zone into the body.

LATIN NAME OF THE GENUS AND SPECIES

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis

VARIETY DENOMINATION

‘DUP-DLR’

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a new and distinct cultivar ifHibiscus, botanically known as Hibiscus rosa-sinensis and hereinafterreferred to by the cultivar name ‘DUP-DLR.’

Hibiscus have been the subject of human admiration for centuries. Whilethe ancestry of present rosa-sinensis hybrids is not be precisely known,todays hybrids are thought to be the products of interspecific crossesinvolving Hawaiian, Polynesian and Asian species, among others, some ofwhich may no longer be found in the wild, if at all. It is thought thatthe first hibiscus identified as a “rosa-sinensis” was a double red formof uncertain origin found in cultivation in China, India and Polynesia,to be later introduced to Hawaii from Polynesia. It is known to havebeen grown in Europe during the Victorian era. Eventually, it wasintroduced to the continental United States where it was cultivatedoutdoors in the Deep South as well as in regions having subtropical orMediterranean climates (Florida and Southern California, respectively).Indoor cultivation took place in the temperate regions of the U.S. It isspeculated that the original “rosa-sinensis” is actually a specieshybrid, possibly naturally arising, involving two or more species.Regardless, present day hybrids are descended from the original doubleform, and are thought to include additional species such as Hibiscusliliiflorus, H. arnottianus, H. schizopetalus, and other species, knownand unknown, some of which are no longer found in the wild, if at all.Today, after decades of extensive hybridization, the moniker“rosa-sinensis” almost certainly denotes complex interspecific hybrids.Such hybrids are usually far removed from their species ancestors inform and color. Flowers of spectacular size, color intensity and, in thelast several decades, ringed and spotted patterns have been produced byU.S. hybridizers in Louisiana, Florida, Texas and elsewhere. Otherhotbeds of activity include Australia, and more recently, Tahiti.Today's flowers are removed from their species ancestors to such anextent that it is almost impossible to unravel the species componentcontributions which comprise a modern hybrid hibiscus.

However, despite the fact that extensive hybridization was giving riseto larger blossoms and more intense colors, few early hybrids attractedthe attention of large scale propagators. While the flowers were some ofthe most impressive in the entire plant world, hybridizer selection forbloom characteristics alone resulted in weak, short-lived plants. Manyvarieties were difficult to root from cuttings and some only grewacceptably as grafted plants. Grafted plants suffered from a seriousdisadvantage in that the quality of the graft generally determined thequality of the plant, making the production of uniformly vigorous plantsa difficult task. Furthermore, after several years, it was common forgrafted plants to develop stresses at the graft union due to the unequalgrowth rates of the rootstock and the scion. Such stresses caneventually lead to loss of vigor and death of the plant. Moreover,grafting did not completely cure the problem of root rot-surprisingly,the rootstock, when grafted to a root-rot susceptible scion was oftenmore likely to suffer rot than the a plant of the rootstock variety. Forexample, a plant of “Seminole Pink,” a garden variety commonly used as arootstock, is highly resistant to root rot. However, when Seminole Pinkis used as a rootstock for “Romeo,” a modern hybrid which is prone toroot rot, the grafted plant, while less susceptible than Romeo, is moresusceptible than a plant of Seminole Pink. Another disadvantage ofgrafted plants is the introduction of viruses into the scion from therootstock. Rootstock varieties are almost invariably old gardenvarieties which, over the years, have become infected with multipleviruses. While the performance of such vigorous garden varieties may belargely unaffected by the virus infection, the hybrid scion of graftedplants were usually significantly less vigorous than the garden varietyrootstock, and virus infection from the rootstock resulted in a weakplant. The problem only increased with successive generations ofgrafting, resulting in a general weakening of a given variety over time.

As a result, the flower production of many modern hybrids was generallysparse with a high number of deformed blooms. Furthermore, buds oftentook relatively long times to reach blooming stage, and it was notuncommon to wait with anticipation while a bud swelled day by day, onlyto be disappointed when the mature bud toppled from its pedicel on theday it was to open. Moreover because of hybridizer emphasis on theflower, the plant was often relatively slow growing and sparsely clothedin leaves.

Such characteristics left hibiscus with the reputation that, despite themesmerizing beauty of the flowers, they were for collectors who had timeto attend to the seemingly exacting requirements of the plants. As aresult, while new varieties were produced by hobbyists yearly,commercial scale propagation of modern hybrids was generally rare.Common garden varieties (Seminole Pink, Brilliant, President, PaintedLady, Butterfly, Lagos and others), which are easy to root, fastgrowing, and tolerant of a wide range of growing conditions were theonly hibiscus widely available.

Many new varieties of hibiscus which represent a vast improvement inrosa-sinensis hybrids, have been produced by an intense hybridizingprogram conducted by the Inventor at his commercial nursery inPlaquemine, La. The objective of the program has been to producevarieties of hibiscus which root easily under commercial rootingconditions, grow well on their own roots, maturing rapidly intowell-leaved, commercially salable plants under commercial greenhouseconditions. Further objectives are to produce Hibiscus cultivars asaforementioned, having large-flowers with unique and desirable flowercharacteristics, such as size, color intensity and pattern.

Asexual reproduction of the new Hibiscus by hard wood, semi hardwood,and terminal cuttings taken in a controlled environment in Plaquemine,La., has shown that the unique features of this new Hibiscus are stableand reproduced true to type in successive generations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The cultivar ‘DUP-DLR’ has not been observed under all possibleenvironmental variables. The phenotype may vary somewhat with variationsin environment such as temperature, light intensity, nutrition and waterstatus without, however, any variation in genotype. For example, duringcooler weather, flowers may demonstrate an increased intensity in pinktones, particularly in the lighter colored edge zone. Furthermore, aswith many varieties of Hibiscus, cooler weather can result in a decreasein flower diameter, and a corresponding reduction in size of sepals andpistil. Moreover, as indicated below, plant characteristics vary greatlywith culture, with internode spacings often increasing in warmer weatherand with higher fixed nitrogen soil content. Plants grown at highertemperatures also exhibit a faster rate of growth. In general the plantused in the following description was grown at temperatures which neverdipped below 55 F. Because the Inventor's one gallon plants are grownfor an average time of about 5.5 to 6 months prior to sale, and the 10inch pot plants are grown for a average time of about 7 to 8 monthsprior to sale, it is difficult to provide a precise temperature profilerequired to give the average plant measurements described in the belowdescription. The growing period can encompass several seasons, withseasonal fluctuations in high/low temperatures as well as photo period.It is expected that the daily high temperature ranged from about 70 F toabout 95 F, and the daily low temperature, which never dipped below 55F, ranged from about 65 F to about 80 F.

The following traits have been repeatedly observed and are determined tobe the unique characteristics of ‘DUP-DLR.’ These characteristics incombination distinguish ‘DUP-DLR’ as a new and distinct cultivar.

1. Glossy, dark green leaves.

2. Upright habit appropriate for container production and culture.

3. Freely flowering habit.

4. Very large flowers having a deep red eye zone, a brilliant hot pinkbody, with faintly iridescent, light pink ribs radiating from the eyezone into the body.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PHOTOGRAPH(S)

The accompanying colored photographs illustrate the overall appearanceof the new Hibiscus, showing the colors as true as it is reasonablypossible to obtain in colored reproductions of this type.

Colors in the photographs may differ slightly from the color valuescited in the detailed botanical description which accurately describethe colors of the new Hibiscus.

The photograph on the first sheet comprises a single plant of ‘DUP-DLR’in a ten inch nursery pot grown as a “patio tree.”

The photograph on the second sheet comprises a profile of the flowerdemonstrating the proportions of the pistil compared to the bloomdiameter. The calyx is clearly visible.

The photograph on the third sheet is a representative mature leaf of‘DUP-DLR.’

The photograph on the fourth sheet is the plant as in the first sheet.The flower has been detached and set into the foliage for easierviewing.

The photograph on the fifth sheet is a view of the reverse of the bloom.

DETAILED BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION

In the following description, color references are made to The RoyalHorticultural Society Colour Chart except where general terms ofordinary dictionary significance are used. The following observations,measurements, and values describe plants grown in Plaquemine, La., withone plant per 10 inch container. Plants used for the description wereplants in standard 10″ pots and were about 32 weeks old.

-   Botanical classification: Hibiscus rosa-sinensis.-   Parentage:    -   -   Female or seed parent.—Unknown.        -   Male or pollen parent.—Unknown.-   Propagation:    -   -   Type.—cuttings DUP-DLR has been propagated by taking            hardwood, semi hardwood, and tip cuttings, with semi            hardwood preferred. It should be noted that many methods of            asexual propagation, such as tissue culture and other            cloning processes, can be expected to show some degree of            success in the propagation of the present cultivar,            although. However, of the methods tried by the inventor, the            use of semi hardwood cutting has given the greatest yield of            commercially salable plants. Asexual propagation has            resulted in plants which have the flower and plant            characteristics of the original DUP-DLR plant, and thus the            variety is stable. Cuttings from DUP-DLR generally root well            under commercial greenhouse conditions. While greenhouse            conditions such as relative humidity and other factors such            as cutting age prior to planting affect the take, it is not            unusual to get a take of almost 100%. Please note that as            successive generations of cuttings are raised, the raiser            may experience a drop in take due to the incorporation of            virus, particularly if at some point grafted plants are            prepared, and cuttings are taken from such a plant.        -   Time to initiate roots.—An average time of initiation at            approximately 22 C is approximately six weeks, with slightly            longer times during winter at comparable temperatures, and            slightly shorter during summer at comparable temperatures.        -   Time to develop roots.—An average time, at approximately 22            C, of development of a root system after initiation, is            approximately six weeks, with slightly longer times during            winter at comparable temperatures, and slightly shorter            during summer at comparable temperatures. It should be noted            that root initiation and development can be affected by            greenhouse conditions, biological stressors such as disease            organisms, as well as environmental stressors such as low or            variant relative humidity, over- and under-watering,            temperature variations or high or low constant temperatures.            Furthermore, Thus, rooting times can be shorter or longer            than the times given above depending on the values of many            different characteristics during the rooting process known            in the art.        -   Root description.—Fibrous and well-branched.-   Plant description:    -   -   Plant form and growth habits.—Perennial evergreen having            upright growth. Generally semi-compact, but internodal space            can be dependent upon greenhouse temperature time profile,            fertilizer time profile, and other factors.        -   Branching habit.—well-branched, having approximately 3            laterals when a single stem plant is pinched back to a 5            inch height.        -   Plant height, soil level to top of flowers.—a salable plant            in a 10 inch pot can be approximately 21 inches high and 21            inches wide. Please note that cultural variables such as            greenhouse temperature time profile, fertilizer level, and            other factors can cause significant variation from the above            values.        -   Lateral branch description.—The average branch            characteristics of a salable 10 inch plant: Average Length:            approximately 10″. Average Diameter: approximately 0.5 cm            measured at the transition from green to woody stem texture.            Texture: Immature, smooth; mature, woody and rough. Color:            Immature: Green, more green than 147A. Mature: Brownish            gray, close to 200C with 197A overtones.-   Mature foliage description:    -   -   Arrangement.—Alternate, single; numerous; symmetrical.        -   Length.—approximately 10.3 cm.        -   Width.—approximately 9.8 cm.        -   Shape.—deltoid.        -   Apex.—acute.        -   Margin.—crenate.        -   Texture.—glabrous, rugose.        -   Color.—Young foliage, upper surface: More green than 147A;            very glossy. Mature foliage, upper surface: Generally darker            than 147A; glossy.        -   Petiole.—Average Length: 4.9 cm Average Diameter: 0.2 cm            Texture: Fine pubescence on upper surface; lower surface,            glabrous. Color: Dark greenish brown; close to 200A with            undertones of 147A. It should be noted that as with other            plant growth characteristics foliage color and size can vary            somewhat with fertilization regimen, greenhouse temperature,            daylength, and other conditions of culture.-   Flower description:    -   -   Natural flowering season.—year round, with number and size            reduction in extended periods of cold weather, such as            daytime temperatures of less than 60 C. Extreme heat can            slow growth and flower production.        -   Flower arrangement.—Flowers arranged singly at terminal leaf            axils. Very free-flowering, with usually about two or three            developing flower buds per lateral branch, flowers face            mostly outward.        -   Flower appearance.—Large, rounded single flowers. Flowers            are open for one to two days before senescence, which is            often accompanied by partial or full petal closure. Flowers            persistent.        -   Flower diameter.—DUP-DLR flowers are generally in the range            of from about 8-9″ when fully open, with largest flowers            produced during warm weather (for example, day and night            time temperatures above 73 degrees F.        -   Flower depth.—Flower depth was measured to average            approximately 4.5 cm. Flower depth was measured after            removal of a petal and a sepal to expose the base of the            pistil. The measurement was taken on a fully opened flower            in the direction of the pistil, from the base of the ovaries            to the maximum height of the flower petal, which is the            point of recurvature of the petal. It should be noted that            hibiscus blossoms can flatten out during the day, or            increase or decrease in curvature or degree of petal reflex            during the day, and thus variance from the foregoing value            is possible.        -   Flower bud (just before showing color).—Rate of opening: 1-2            days. Rate of opening is generally faster in warmer weather.            Flower bud dimensions were measured on a bud which was            approximately one day from opening. The measurements were as            follows. Bud length was measured from the abscission zone            where bud and peduncle meet to the tip of the bud. The            average length of a bud which is one day from opening is            approximately 8.5 cm. Bud diameter was measured at the            widest part of the bud, an area approximately halfway up the            outside of the developing petals. The average diameter of a            bud which is one day from opening is approximately 3.2 cm.            It should be noted that bud dimensions can vary somewhat            with cultural conditions, and variations can even be            observed in buds which are at the same stage of development.            Shape: acuminate Color: More green than 147A.        -   Petals.—Texture: Smooth, satiny, rugose. Arrangement: The            corolla consists of five petals arranged in a whorl, having            regular partial overlap, even when the flower is fully open.            Shape: roughly spatulate, with a rounded apex and a truncate            base. The margin of each petal undulate and entire, such            that the margin of the flower appears to be undulate, and            the overlap is such that the flower margin appears almost            circular, with small indentations at the points where the            flower margin changes from one petal to the adjacent petal.            A representative length was measured to be 10.5 cm, and was            taken from the base of the petal to the farthest point on            the margin opposite the base. A representative width is 10.2            cm, and was measured perpendicularly to the pistil at the            widest point of the petal. Petal size can vary with cultural            conditions, such as temperature, and thus the flower size            and shape can vary as well. Often, flowers which are            produced at colder temperatures are smaller and appear more            fully overlapped, giving almost a wheel-shaped appearance.            When fully open, the edges of DUP-DLR flowers often recurve.            The color of a warm weather flower is described below. It            should be noted that the colors of hibiscus are among the            most changeable of all flowers. A newly opening morning            bloom generally has the most intense coloration, but as the            flower flattens out and is exposed to the sun, many pigments            begin to fade immediately, resulting in a flower which can            look like a different variety altogether. The flower of            DUP-DLR can fade to a dull dark pink The morning colors are            described below. Color: Upper surface: Margin: 61D Center:            61D Base: N77 Lower surface: Left side: 55A Right side: 24D.-   Sepals: Unlike the petals, sepals are relatively invariant in color.    Their size can be affected by same cultural conditions which affect    flower size, They are generally smooth and elongated oblong with    acute apices (pointed tips). They are fused at the long edges into a    cupped calyx bearing at its brim the five pointed tips. When the    petals of the flower spread open, the five pointed tips, which are    flush with the backs of the opening petals, are forced into a    radiating five point star-shaped configuration, which can be    observed on the profile and reverse pictures (second and fifth    sheets). A representative width, which is measured perpendicularly    to the long axis of the sepal a at the position on the sepal at    which the oblong edges transition from fused to unfused, is    approximately 1.1 cm. A representative length, measured on the sepal    from the free point to the fused point is approximately 3.5 cm.    Color: Upper surface: Close to 146A. Lower surface: Close to 147A.    -   -   Peduncle.—Length: 8.6 cm Angle: approximately 30 degrees            from branch Strength: Strong, flexible Texture: smooth            Color: Slightly darker than 146A.        -   Reproductive organs.—Androecium: Stamen number:            approximately 75 Anther shape: crescent Anther color: 45D            Amount of pollen: moderate Pollen color: 18A Gynoecium:            Pistil number: 1 Pistil length (from base of ovaries to top            of stigma): 8.9 cm Style length (from base of ovaries to            stigma branching point): 8.0 cm Style diameter, at base: 0.9            cm Style color: Base: N77 Midsection: 45D Apex: 36D Stimga            number: 5 Stigma color: 46D. It should be noted that the            dimensions of a hibiscus blossom generally change not only            during bud development, but also during opening, as well as            during the life of the opened flower. For instance, upon            opening, the petals generally gain in length. Furthermore,            after opening, the pistil continues to grow in length while            the anther filaments which hold the pollen sacs increase in            length, the pollen sacs open and the stigmas separate, each            at the tip of a branched style structure. Toward the end of            the flower life, possibly due to a reduction in turgor            pressure, the pistil may shrink in length and the petals may            slightly decrease in area. Usually, the senescing petals of            the flower fold toward the pistil to some degree, in some            cases, completely enfolding it.-   Disease resistance: DUP-DLR has not been observed to be resistant to    pathogens common in hibiscus. However, it has been observed in the    green house to have a higher resistance to root rot than that of    many existing hybrid varieties grown on their own roots. If desired,    and if a the risk of virus infection is of no concern, the present    variety can be grafted onto a rootstock and be grown as a grafted    plant.

1. A new and distinct Hibiscus plant named ‘DUP-DLR’, either grafted oron its own roots, as illustrated and described.